ADVANCED PHARMACOLOGY
FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION STUDY
GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
◉ Special considerations in drug metabolism: Enzyme induction.
Answer: ↓ drug levels
◉ Special considerations in drug metabolism: Enzyme inhibition.
Answer: ↑ drug levels
◉ Special considerations in drug metabolism: route.
Answer: oral affected; IV bypasses
◉ What factors influence placental drug transfer?.
Answer: Molecular size, lipid solubility, protein binding
◉ What are the risks of drug therapy during pregnancy?.
Answer: Teratogenicity, fetal toxicity
◉ Pregnancy risk categories.
,Answer: ○ Used to assess fetal risk
○ Guide prescribers in evaluating SAFETY VS NECESSITY
○ Support CLINICAL DECISION MAKING, not replace it
◉ Risk categories:
■ A.
Answer: ● Controlled studies show NO RISK to fetus
● Very few drugs fall into this category
● Exam pearl: Category A drugs are the SAFEST, but rare.
◉ Risk categories:
■ B.
Answer: ● No evidence of risk in humans
● Animal studies may show risk, but human data do not
● Clinical use: Often preferred when medication is necessary in
pregnancy.
◉ Risk categories:
■ C.
Answer: ● Animal studies show adverse effects or no studies
available
● Human risk cannot be ruled out
, ● High yield: Category C drugs may be used ONLY IF BENEFIT
OUTWEIGHS RISK
◉ Risk category C Drugs you SHOULD recognize.
Answer: ○ Antidepressants (many)
○ Anticonvulsants (some)
○ Opioids
◉ Risk categories:
■ D.
Answer: ● Positive evidence of human fetal risk
● Benefits may outweigh risks in SERIOUS OR LIFE-THREATENIG
CONDITIONS
conditions
● Category D ≠ contraindicated — requires strong justification.
◉ Risk category D drugs you MUST know.
Answer: ○ ACE inhibitors
○ ARBs
○ Valproic acid
○ Phenytoin
○ Lithium
FUNDAMENTALS EXAMINATION STUDY
GUIDE 2026 COMPLETE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
◉ Special considerations in drug metabolism: Enzyme induction.
Answer: ↓ drug levels
◉ Special considerations in drug metabolism: Enzyme inhibition.
Answer: ↑ drug levels
◉ Special considerations in drug metabolism: route.
Answer: oral affected; IV bypasses
◉ What factors influence placental drug transfer?.
Answer: Molecular size, lipid solubility, protein binding
◉ What are the risks of drug therapy during pregnancy?.
Answer: Teratogenicity, fetal toxicity
◉ Pregnancy risk categories.
,Answer: ○ Used to assess fetal risk
○ Guide prescribers in evaluating SAFETY VS NECESSITY
○ Support CLINICAL DECISION MAKING, not replace it
◉ Risk categories:
■ A.
Answer: ● Controlled studies show NO RISK to fetus
● Very few drugs fall into this category
● Exam pearl: Category A drugs are the SAFEST, but rare.
◉ Risk categories:
■ B.
Answer: ● No evidence of risk in humans
● Animal studies may show risk, but human data do not
● Clinical use: Often preferred when medication is necessary in
pregnancy.
◉ Risk categories:
■ C.
Answer: ● Animal studies show adverse effects or no studies
available
● Human risk cannot be ruled out
, ● High yield: Category C drugs may be used ONLY IF BENEFIT
OUTWEIGHS RISK
◉ Risk category C Drugs you SHOULD recognize.
Answer: ○ Antidepressants (many)
○ Anticonvulsants (some)
○ Opioids
◉ Risk categories:
■ D.
Answer: ● Positive evidence of human fetal risk
● Benefits may outweigh risks in SERIOUS OR LIFE-THREATENIG
CONDITIONS
conditions
● Category D ≠ contraindicated — requires strong justification.
◉ Risk category D drugs you MUST know.
Answer: ○ ACE inhibitors
○ ARBs
○ Valproic acid
○ Phenytoin
○ Lithium
